Invalid lifting apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention pertains to invalid lifting apparatus having sling and derrick means for pendantly supporting and lifting an infirm or invalid person from one place to another place, as for example, for transferring the person between automobile, boat, airplane, wheel chair, bed, bathtub or the like. The lifting apparatus is suitable for multi-purpose application and may, if desired, include a plurality of base bracket means adapted for selective use in operatively supporting the derrick-sling construction of the apparatus on various conventional support structure such as an automobile door, a bedpost, wall or floor structure in a building or the like.

United States Patent Anderson 51 July 18, 1972 [s41 INVALID LIFI'ING APPARATUS 3,515,294 6/1970 southward et al ..214/75 [72] Inventor: William G. Anderson, 1006 Brookwood FOREIGN p m OR APPLICATIONS Drive, Tallahassee, Fla. 32303 786,671 6/1968 Canada ..2l4/77 [22] Filed: Aug. 6, i970 Primary Examiner-Robert J. Spa: 211 App]. No.. 61,631 Ammeydohn Cyril may [52] US. "/77, 214/148 [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int.(I B60pl/48 Tlus invention pertains to invalid lifting apparatus having sling [58] Field of Search ..2l4/77 R, 75 R, 148, 151 and derrick means for p y supporting and lifting an firm or invalid person from one place to another place, as for [56] References Cmd example, for transferring the person between automobile,

UNITED STATES PATENTS boat, airplane, wheel chair, bed, bathtub or the like. The lifting apparatus is suitable for multi-purpose application and 2,846,091 8/ 1958 l-leffner ..2l4/77 may, if desired, include a plurality f base bracket means 2,930,499 3/ 1960 Landmm 214/75 R adapted for selective use in operatively supporting the der- 317255l 3/1965. W "214/77 rick-sling construction of the apparatus on various conven- 3,487,964 1/197 fl y---- 214/77 tional support structure such as an automobile door, a 1,373,014 1 921 8 214/ 75 bedpost, wall or floor structure in a building or the like. 2,650,725 9/1953 l-loyer et a1. ..214/77 2,498,161 2/1950 Hamilton ..2l4/75 T 12 Claims, 8 Drawing figures Patented July 18, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q Q o o o o o owo INVENTOR. lU/LL/H/W 6. 14/1/05 1755A 2% 4 TTOF/UE Patented July 18, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Patented July 18, 1972 I 3,677,424

4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. WILL/HM G. fi/UDERSO/U HTTORNEX,

INVALID LIFTING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to lifting or hoisting apparatus particularly for use in bodily handling handicapped persons and for use in transferring a person a short distance from one place to another place.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various devices have heretofore been designed for hoisting and transferring physically incapacitated persons between motor vehicles, beds, bathtubs or the like. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,650,725 illustrates a lift construction attachable to an automobile and operative for transferring an invalid person between a wheel chair and the automobile. Regarding automobile travel, it is usually desirable to carry lifting apparatus along with an invalid on a trip or an outing and it is often desirable to package the lifting apparatus in a disassembled or collapsed disposition suitable for conveyance or storage. Certain prior art lifting apparatus may not be readily disassembled or arranged in a compact configuration for automobile travel and this is particularly objectionable when it is desired to effect frequent transference of the person between a wheel chair and an automobile; many of the prior art invalid lifting devices are awkward and cumbersome to carry and manipulate and may require considerable practice for safe use and operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention obviates many of the above-mentioned difficulties and provides invalid lifting apparatus that is easy to use and operate and that may be readily arranged in a compact form suitable for storage or conveyance in an automobile; the lifting apparatus may be readily packaged in a suitcase or the like for use by the invalid person in pleasure or business travel. The mounting of the lifting device on an automobile door does not necessitate modification of the vehicle and may readily be supported on the door part of a rental automobile. Negligible practice is required for safe use and operation of the lifting apparatus. It is of relatively simple design and construction permitting economical manufacture and marketing. The lift structure of the invention permits a handicapped person to be less dependent on the services of family, friends or extra help, which is seldom available when needed and which may be expensive. The lifting apparatus may be operated either by the invalid or with the assistance of a child or elderly person, or a person unable to lift an invalid. The apparatus of the invention allows an invalid or infirm person to change positions more readily and to be more comfortable; it'may be operated quickly and easily for changing an invalids position thus affording means for preventing or curing bed sore formation commonly associated with certain handicapped conditions. Also, the lifting apparatus of the invention may be used for lifting an invalid person between different floor levels in a home and may save an expense of remodeling a home to accommodate a handicapped condition, moreover, the lifting apparatus permits an invalid to have a wider choice of living accommodations when considering moving to another home or buying a home, particularly as this may regard considering a perspective dwelling having a sunken living room or other multi-level floor surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS as on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 but illustrating a full view of the sling assembly of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a modification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and particularly the base bracket means engaging the automobile door;

5 paratus adapted for supporting the invalid sling assembly on stationary post or support structure; the Figure particularly illustrates the base bracket means, supporting the derrick-sling assembly on the headframe of a sleeping bed;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the instant invention, particularly an embodiment including an extendible base bracket assembly engaging the floor and ceiling surfaces of a building interior; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken as on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of the lifting apparatus adapted to be mounted on an automobile and utilized by an invalid person in travel or conveyance. The embodiment is designated by reference character 12 and is shown and described in conjunction with an automobile l4 having a door 16 including a planar door body 18 terminating in an upper horizontal edge or margin portion 20. The lifting apparatus 12 primarily includes an inverted U-shape base bracket 22 adapted to be hooked over and pendantly supported on the door body 18; a derrick-sling construction 24 including a sling assembly 26, a derrick assembly 28, and means 30 articulatingly connecting the assemblies 26, 28; and, vertical pivot bearing means 32 tumably supporting the derrick-sling construction 24 from the base bracket means 22.

The base bracket 22 preferably is fabricated from heavy strap metal and configured to form a planar upright standard portion 34 and an arcuate downtumed hook portion 36. The base bracket 22 is adapted to be pendantly supported on the automobile door 16 with the downtumed hook portion 36 of the bracket 22 engaging the outer surface 38 of the door, and with the standard portion 34 of the bracket flatwise engaging the inside surface 40 of the door (see FIG. 2).

The sling assembly 26 of the derrick-sling construction 24 is adapted to receive and support an invalid person in a sitting position and is preferably custom-made to suit the physique or physical condition of the person. The sling assembly includes flexible seat and back bands 42, 44 adapted to supportingly engage the seat and back of the person and includes bridle structure adapted for positioning the bands 42, 44 including a horizontal yoke member 46, tie chain and bracket means 48, 50 connecting opposite end portions of seat band 42 with respective ends of yoke 46, and S-shape hook members 52 connecting opposite end portions of the back band 44 with the tie chains 48 supporting seat band 42. The opposite end portions of yoke 46 preferably are provided with upturned hook portions 54 supportingly engaging the upper link elements of tie chains 48; placing selected link elements of the tie chains 48 over the curved portions 54 of yoke 46 provides means for varying the effective lengths of the tie chains and elevatingly positioning the seat band 42.

The derrick assembly 28 of the derrick-sling construction 24 includes a standard member 56, a lift arm 58, and pivot pin means 60 pivotally supporting the proximal end of the lift am 58 on the upper extremity of standard member 56. A reinforcing strip 62 preferably is fixedly secured longitudinally on the lift arm 58 for strengthening the arm. The derrick assembly includes jack means 64 operably interposedly arranged between the standard member 56 and the lift arm 58 for selectively pivotally raising or lowering the lift arm. The jack means 64 preferably includes a hydraulically operative jack unit 66 articulatingly secured by anchor bracket means 68, 70 respectively to the lower portion of standard member 56 and the intermediate portion of lift arm 58. Horizontal pivot pin means 72, 74 articulatingly connect opposite end portions of the jack unit 66 respectively with the anchor bracket means 68, 70 and permit raising and lowering of the lift arm. The jack unit 66 preferably is of typical automotive service jack configuration and includes a manually operative handle 76 adapted for up and down manipulation for expanding or extending the jack unit and raising the lift arm 58 (see broken line showing of the lift arm in FIG. 2). The hydraulic jack unit 66 typically includes a valve lever 78 for releasing the jack fluid; releasing the valve lever 78 permits contractive movement of the jack means and lowering of the lift arm (see full line showing of the lift arm in FIG. 2).

The connecting means 30 articulatingly supporting the sling assembly 26 on the lift arm 58 of derrick assembly 28 preferably includes hook and eye means 80, 82 and swivel means 84 operatively connected in series and permitting angular and turning movement of the sling assembly 26 relative to the lift arm 58: The swivel means 84 preferably includes headed swivel pin means 86 projecting upwardly through an annular thrust bearing portion 90 symmetrically formed on yoke 46; and with the head portion 88 of the pin means 86 supportingly engaging the annular thrust bearing 90 of the yoke member. The upper extension of swivel pin means 86 is integrally formed with the downturned hook means 80 of the hook and eye means 80, 82; the eye element 82 is fixedly secured on the distal extremity of the lift arm. The sling assembly 26 may be removed from the derrick assembly 28 by disengaging the hook and eye elements 80, 82.

The vertical pivot bearing means 32, tumably supporting the derrick-sling construction 24 from the base bracket means 22 preferably includes a vertical series of knuckle joint connections 92 operably interposed between the base bracket standard portion 34 and the standard member 56 of the derrick assembly 28. Each knuckle joint connection 92 preferably includes a vertical pin portion 98 received in a joint socket 94. The downwardly projecting pin portion 98 of each knuckle connection 92 is freely tumably received in a respective joint socket 94. The plurality of vertical pin portions 98 of the knuckle joint connections 92 are adapted to be simultaneously disengaged from respective joint sockets 94 for lifting and removing the derrick-sling construction 24 from the base bracket means 22.

The base bracket means preferably is stationarily secured to the door body 18 by hand operative screw means 100 and 101 including seser screw members 106 and 107 threadedly fitted respectively on the hook and standard portions of the base bracket. Turnably manipulating the screw means 100 and 101 are operative for engaging and disengaging the terminal end portions 102, 103 of the screw shanks 104 and 105 respectively with the outer and inner surfaces 38 and 40 of the door body. The enlarged screw head portions 106 and 107 of screw means 100 and 101 provide finger grip means for tumably manipulating the screw means for selectively tightening or loosening the base bracket structure 22 on the body of the automobile door. The inward side surface of the hook portion of the base bracket 22 preferably is provided with cushioning means or felt padding 108 for preventing damage to the outer surface 38 of the automobile door. Adjustable horizontal stop screw means 109 preferably is supported on the standard member 56, having a screw head 110 adapted to abuttingly engage the standard portion 34 of the base bracket 22. The stop means 109 is operative for limiting the slewing movement of the derrick-sling construction and for preventing the lift arm 58 from striking and damaging the windshield or other parts of an automobile.

In using the lifting apparatus 12, as for example when transferring a person P between a wheel chair W to the automobile seat, the following procedure may be carried out: The base bracket means 22 is mounted on the door body 18 with the standard portion 34 of the bracket arranged on the inward side of the door (see FIG. 1). The seat and back band members 42, 44 and tie chains 48 of the sling 26 preferably are arranged around the invalid person as he is seated in the wheel chair. In lifting the person from the wheel chair, the yoke member 46 is arranged across the persons lap and the upper link elements of the pair of tie chains 48 are engaged with the upturned opposite end portions 54 of the yoke member 46. With the lift arm 58in a lowered disposition, the hook supported on the sling assembly 26 is hooked into the eye element 82 of the derrick assembly 28. The valve lever 78 of the hydraulic jack unit 66 may then be closed and the lift arm 58 raised by manipulation of the jack handle 76; manipulation of the handle raises the lift arm and lifts the invalid person from the wheel chair. The person is lifted to a height corresponding generally with the height of the automobile seat and is then swung in a horizontal are about the vertical pivot bearing means 32 and to a disposition over the automobile seat. The person may then be lowered to the automobile seat by releasing the jack valve lever 78 and lowering the lift arm of the derrick assembly. The sling assembly 26 may then be disengaged from the derrick assembly by disengaging the hook and eye elements 80, 82; the seat and back band means 42, 44 and chains 48, 48 may if desired be left about the person while he is sitting in the automobile. The derrick assembly 28 may then be disengaged from the bracket structure 22 by lifting and disengaging the joint pin elements 98 from the joint socket elements 94 and the derrick assembly stored in the back of the automobile or in a convenient location. The base bracket means 22 may be left in a position supported on the door body 18 or may be removed from the door body by loosening screw means and 101 and placed in a convenient location in the automobile. When it is desired to transfer the person from the automobile seat to the seat of a wheel chair the above described procedure may be carried out in substantially a converse manner.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modified embodiment of the lifting apparatus, generally indicated by reference character 12a, and an embodiment differing from the embodiment of FIG. 1 substantially only in the support bracket structure 22a adapted for engaging an automobile door body 18a. The embodiment 12a includes a derrick-sling construction including a standard member 56a, a lift arm 58a and pivot pin means 60a pivotally supporting the arm on the upper end of the standard member. The apparatus 12a likewise includes jack means 64a adapted for selectively lifting and lowering the lift arm 58a including a jack handle 76a and includes a plurality of knuckle joint connections 92a pivotally connecting the standard member 56a of the derrick assembly 280 to the base bracket means 220 supported on the automobile door.

The base bracket 22a generally is of two-part configuration including L-shape standard and hook elements 34a and 36a including respectively bite portions 34a, 36a adapted for horizontal parallel engagement. Lock nut and screw means 35a, 37a provide means for fixedly securing the bite portions 34a, 36a at a selected expanded or retracted disposition. The lock screw 37a extends upwardly through aselected one of the apertures 39a of the hook bite portion 36a and threadedly receives the lock nut 35a. By inserting the lock screw 37a in a selected aperture 39a and threadedly manipulating the lock nut 35a, a selected spacing of the hook and standard portions 36a, 34a may be accomplished for accommodating a particular width of a door body 180. Cushioning means or padding 108a preferably is fixedly secured respectively to the inside surfaces of the bite portion 34a and the hook portion 36a. The base bracket means 22a also preferably is provided with hand operative set screw means 100a, and 101a supported respectively on the hook and standard portions 36a and 34a, operative for stationarily securing the base bracket means 220 and thus the embodiment 12a on the automobile door.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment 12b of the instant invention, differing from the embodiment of FIG. 1 substantially only in the base bracket means securing the derrick-sling construction to an automobile door. The base bracket means 22b of the embodiment 12b is adapted to be permanently supported to the inside panel structure 18b, 18b" of an automobile door body 18b. The reference character 18b" indicates the thick trim panel of fabric or plastic construction typically supported on the inside of an automobile door and in flatwise engagement with the interior sheet metal parts 181: of the door.

The base bracket means 22b of the embodiment 12b includes a standard element 34b adapted to be clampingly secured vertically against the inside surface of the automobile door trim panel structure 18b". A plurality of cap screw members 41b respectively pass through the inside wall structure 18b, 18b" of the automobile door, and threadedly engage lug portions 43b of a backing plate 45b supported in the interior of the automobile door. The cap screws 41b threadedly clamp the inside wall structure 18b, 18b" between the standard element 34b and backing plate 45b; the vertical standard element 34b provides mounting means for the derrick-sling construction of the embodiment 121:. A plurality of knuckle joint connections 92b pivotally connect the standard member 56b of the derrick assembly 28b to the standard element 34b of the base bracket means 22b. The embodiment 12b corresponding with the above-described embodiments, likewise includes a lift arm 58b supported on the upper end of the standard member 56b by pivot pin means 60b. Jack means 641; operably arranged between the lift arm 58b and standard member 56b may be of manually operative telescopic jack configuration including a hand wheel 76b operative for fixing a selected extension of the jack unit and for elevatingly positioning the lift arm and sling of the lifting apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment 12c of the lifting apparatus adapted to be mounted on conventional upright support structure in a building interior or the like. The embodiment 12c may be utilized for transferring a person into and out of a bed, chair seat, bathtub or the like and may optionally be supported on a door jamb or wall structure of a building, or may be supported on vertical structure of a movable piece of fumiture: FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment 12c mounted on a headpost 13 of a sleeping bed 15. The embodiment 12c differs substantially from the above-described embodiments substantially only in the configuration of the base bracket means 22c mounting the derrick-sling construction to existing or conventional stationary structure and includes a lift arm 58c pivotally connected at pivot means 600 to a standard member 560 pivotally connected by knuckle bearing means 920 to the base bracket means of the apparatus. A telescopic jack unit 66c, optionally either mechanically or hydraulically operative, provides means for vertical manipulation of the lift arm 58c and thus the invalid sling structure of the embodiment.

The base bracket means 220 includes a standard element 34c, preferably of angle iron configuration, and threaded fastener means in the form of a plurality of screw members 17c securing the standard member 360 to the headpost 13c of the sleeping bed construction. The knuckle joint connections 920 each includes a socket portion 94c fixed to the flange 34c of the standard element 34c, and an L-shape pin element 960 fixed to the member 56c of the derrick assembly of the apparatus. The derrick-sling assembly may be disengaged from the support bracket structure 22c by lifting and disengaging the plurality of pin elements 960 from the socket structure 940.

In certain applications of the embodiment 12c, as for example, in use in a multi-bed hospital facility, a single derrick-sling assembly may be utilized selectively in conjunction with a plurality of base bracket means 220 supported respectively on a like plurality of sleeping bed units. In such an application of the lifting apparatus, the derrick-sling construction may be portage from one bed unit to another bed unit and operably mounted to the base bracket means of a selected bed unit.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment 12d of the lifting apparatus adapted for use in a building interior defined in part by opposing floor and ceiling surfaces 14d and 16d. The base bracket means 22d of the embodiment 12d includes tubular standard and sleeve elements respectively 27d, 29d telescopicaly threadedly secured together as at 31d. The standard means 27d, 29d is adapted to be fixedly secured between the ceiling and floor surfaces 16d, 14d, defining vertical stationary base structure supporting the derrick-sling construction 24d. The derrick assembly 28d of the embodiment 12d includes a standard member 56d, and pivot bearing means 32d including a plurality of knuckle joint connections 92d tumably supporting the derrick-sling construction to the standard element 27d of the base bracket means of the embodiment.

The vertical standard construction 27d, 29d preferably is stationarily supported between the ceiling and floor surfaces 16d, 14d respectively by socket flange means 33d and friction foot means 35d operably associated respectively with the upper and lower extremities of the telescopic standard construction 27d, 29d. The socket flange means 33d preferably is in the form of an annular member 37d, fixedly secured to the ceiling surface 16d and defining a downwardly oriented socket opening 39d adapted for removably receiving the upper end portion of the standard element 27d. The friction foot means 35d preferably includes resilient sole plate means 41d pivotally supported as by pin means 43d to the lower extremity of the sleeve element 29d of the telescopic standard means 27d, 29d.

The base bracket means 22d may be stationarily installed between the floor and ceiling surfaces by inserting the upper end of the standard element 27d in the socket opening 39d, and then threadedly extending the telescopic members 27d, 29d to a disposition frictionally engaging the foot means 35d with the floor surface; contra-directional rotation of the telescopic standard members 27d, 29d, as indicated by the arrows 45d and 45 extends the standard members oppositely compressively against the floor and ceiling surfaces, providing stationary support means for tumably mounting the derricksling construction 24d. Although the standard means 27d, 29d is shown as being supported by socket flange means 33d and friction foot means 35d, it is to be noted that in certain applications of the embodiment 12d (not shown) both ends of the standard means 27d, 29d may be provided with friction foot means 35d for compressively engaging the ceiling and floor surfaces, or socket flange means, as flange means 33d, may be permanently secured in vertical alignment to respectively the floor and ceiling surfaces, providing flange socket means for simultaneously engaging opposite end portions of the telescopic standard means.

The derrick assembly 28d of the embodiment 12d corresponds substantially with the above-described derrick means and is tumably supported on the tubular standard 27d by a plurality of knuckle connections 91d; the derrick assembly may be disengaged from the support bracket means 22d by lifting and disengaging the pin portions 96d of the derrick assembly from the socket portions 94d fixed on the standard 27d of the base bracket structure. Jack means, as the telescopic mechanical jack unit 66d is articulatingly fitted between the lift arm 58d and the standard member 56d of the derrick construction. Manipulation of handle means 76d is operative for extending and retracting the jack unit respectively for raising or lowering the lift arm 58d and the invalid sling assembly.

The sling assembly 26d includes a yoke member 46d articulatingly supported from the distal end of the lift arm by hook and eye means d, 82d. The sling assembly includes flexible seat and back bands 42d and 44d, tie chain and hook means 48d, 54d, 50d pendantly supporting the seat band 42d from the yoke 46d, and S-shape hooks 52d, 52d engaging opposite end portions of the back band 44d with the tie chains 48d, 48d. The sling assembly of the embodiment 12d also preferably is provided with a flexible safety strap 51d, and hook elements 53d, 53d connecting the opposite end portions of the strap 51d with opposite end portions of the back band 44d. The strap 51d is adapted to be hooked over the chest or lap of an invalid person providing additional means for comfortably supporting the person in a sitting disposition in the sling means of the apparatus. The opposite end portions of the seat band 52d preferably is fitted with horizontal metal strip elements 55d, 55d, each having a central aperture 57d receiving respectively the hooks 50d, 50d, of the seat-supporting chains 48d, 48d. The flexible seat band 42d preferably is fitted with cushioning structure or padding 59d to afiord sitting ease for the handicapped person.

The means 30d (FIG. 8) connecting the sling assembly 26d to the lift arm 58d of the derrick assembly preferably includes swivel means housed in a bore opening 81d formed centrally in the yoke member 46d. An annular thrust plate 83d is fixedly secured to the yoke member across the bore opening 81d and defines a central aperture 85d receiving the shank portion 87d of the eye member 80d. Two thrust washers 89d preferably are received on the eye member shank portion 87d and loosely secured by a retainer nut 90d threadedly engaging the lower end of the shank. If desired, an expansion plug 9211 may be fitted across the lower interior of the bore opening 81d of the yoke 46d for appearance purposes.

Although direct acting hydraulic jack means and manually operative jack means are shown and described, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments of the invention, the jack means may be energized by electricity or pressurized hydraulic power means arranged distant from the jack unit and may include electric switch or hydraulic valve means located convenient to the handicapped person so that by manipulation of such remote control means, he may selectively manipulate the lift apparatus. Also, although the vertical pivot bearing means turnably supporting the derrick-sling construction 24 from the bracket means 22 is shown in a preferred form including separable socket and pin means 94 and 96, it is considered that other fonns of pivot bearing means may be utilized in other applications of the lifting apparatus of the invention.

While the instant invention is shown and described in several preferred embodiments, it will be understood that changes and modifications not intrinsic may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Invalid lifting apparatus comprising:

A. a first elongate standard to be mounted to a support surface;

B. a second elongate standard means;

C. first bearing means to connect the standard means to the first standard in a generally parallel relation and for swinging movement of the second standard means in a cylindrical arc about the first standard,

said first bearing means comprising mutually inter-cooperating hinge means on the standard and standard means for swinging movement of said standard means about an axis intermediate the center lines of the standard and standard means respectively, and

said hinge means on said standard and standard means being detachable for separation of said standard and standard means when not in mating use;

D. a lift arm,

E. a pivot means to connect the proximal end of the lift arm to the second standard means,

F. sling means adapted to seat an invalid,

G. means to connect the sling means to the terminal end of the arm, and

H. telescopic means interconnecting the standard means at a point remote from said proximal end connection of the am and the standard means and at a point intermediate the length of said arm,

. whereby when the telescopic means is extended the lift arm is manipulated in a swinging movement about a horizontal axis,

J. said telescopic means comprising a jack having an operator and means to secure the jack in any telescopic position within its range of movement; and

K. whereby the sling, arm and second elongate standard means may be removed from the first standard to be carried by the invalid in a wheelchair for quick connection to a similar elongate standard mounted to a support surface having companionate hinge means as in movement from a car into a house having a step at the front door and at which a second elongate standard is mounted.

2. An invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means on said first elongate standard to mount to a conventional support surface.

3. An invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 for use in transferring a person into and out of an automobile or like vehicle having a vertical door body terminating in an upper horizontal margin, wherein said means to mount includes a downturned hook element on said first elongate standard and supported on the first elongate standard defining a bight sized for detachable securement in hooked-up relation over said door margin, said door margin being receivable in said bight.

4. The lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein adjustment means are provided to vary the size of said bight to accommodate various size doors, and selectively operative lock means to maintain adjustment positions of said bight.

5. The invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein means are provided to secure said door in said bight.

6. The invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means to mount comprises means at the upper end of said first elongate standard to secure said upper end to a ceiling and means at the lower end of said first elongate standard to secure said lower end to a floor surface with said standard in vertical alignment between the ceiling and the floor surface.

7. The combination with an automobile having a door having a vertical door body terminating in an upper horizontal margin, lifting apparatus for use in lifting and placing a person in the automobile, said lifting apparatus comprising base bracket means including an upright standard portion and a downwardly oriented hook portion supported on the upper extension of said standard portion, said base bracket means being adapted to be detachably dependingly supported on said door body with said hook portion hooked over the upper margin of said door body and said standard portion engaging the inside surface of said door body; a derrick-sling construction including a derrick assembly including a pivotally supported arm and jack means for raising the distal end of said arm, a sling assembly adapted to support a person, and means articulatingly connecting the sling assembly to the distal end of the arm of said derrick assembly; and pivot bearing means turnably supporting said derrick-sling construction on said base bracket means on a vertical pivot axis and permitting free turning movement of said derrick-sling construction in a horizontal are.

8. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said derrick assembly includes an elongate upright standard member, means pivotally supporting the proximal end of said arm on the upper extremity of said standard member and on a horizontal axis of movement, and wherein said jack means includes telescopically operative extendable means interposed between said standard member and said arm.

9. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said jack means is hydraulically operative.

10. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said pivot bearing means turnably supporting said derrick-sling construction includes means permitting detachment of said derrick-sling construction from said base bracket means.

11. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein aid pivot bearing means includes at least two knuckle joint connections vertically spaced apart and operably interposed between said base bracket means standard portion and said derrick assembly standard member, each knuckle joint connection including means defining an upwardly opening joint socket fixed on said base bracket standard portion and a downwardly projecting joint pin fixed on said standard member of said derrick assembly, freely removably fitted in said socket structure; the knuckle joint connections being in coaxial arrangement and permitting upward displacement of said joint pins from said joint sockets and removal of said derrick-sling construction from said base bracket means.

12. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means connecting the sling assembly on the arm of said derrick assembly includes separable hook and eye means permitting removal of said sling assembly from said derrick assembly. 

1. Invalid lifting apparatus comprising: A. a first elongate standard to be mounted to a support surface; B. a second elongate standard means; C. first bearing means to connect the standard means to the first standard in a generally parallel relation and for swinging movement of the second standard means in a cylindrical arc about the first standard, said first bearing means comprising mutually inter-co-operating hinge means on the standard and standard means for swinging movement of said standard means about an axis intermediate the center lines of the standard and standard means respectively, and said hinge means on said standard and standard means being detachable for separation of said standard and standard means when not in mating use; D. a lift arm, E. a pivot means to connect the proximal end of the lift arm to the second standard means, F. sling means adapted to seat an invalid, G. means to connect the sling means to the terminal end of the arm, and H. telescopic means interconnecting the standard means at a point remote from said proximal end connection of the arm and the standard means and at a point intermediate the length of said arm, I. whereby when the telescopic means is extended the lift arm is manipulated in a swinging movement about a horizontal axis, J. said telescopic means comprising a jack having an operator and means to secure the jack in any telescopic position within its range of movement; and K. whereby the sling, arm and second elongate standard means may be removed from the first standard to be carried by the invalid in a wheelchair for quick connection to a similar elongate standard mounted to a support surface having companionate hinge means as in movement from a car into a house having a step at the front door and at which a second elongate standard is mounted.
 2. An invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means on said first elongate standard to mount to a conventional support surface.
 3. An invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 for use in transferring a person into and out of an automobile or like vehicle having a vertical door body terminating in an upper horizontal margin, wherein said means to mount includes a downturned hook elemEnt on said first elongate standard and supported on the first elongate standard defining a bight sized for detachable securement in hooked-up relation over said door margin, said door margin being receivable in said bight.
 4. The lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein adjustment means are provided to vary the size of said bight to accommodate various size doors, and selectively operative lock means to maintain adjustment positions of said bight.
 5. The invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein means are provided to secure said door in said bight.
 6. The invalid lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means to mount comprises means at the upper end of said first elongate standard to secure said upper end to a ceiling and means at the lower end of said first elongate standard to secure said lower end to a floor surface with said standard in vertical alignment between the ceiling and the floor surface.
 7. The combination with an automobile having a door having a vertical door body terminating in an upper horizontal margin, lifting apparatus for use in lifting and placing a person in the automobile, said lifting apparatus comprising base bracket means including an upright standard portion and a downwardly oriented hook portion supported on the upper extension of said standard portion, said base bracket means being adapted to be detachably dependingly supported on said door body with said hook portion hooked over the upper margin of said door body and said standard portion engaging the inside surface of said door body; a derrick-sling construction including a derrick assembly including a pivotally supported arm and jack means for raising the distal end of said arm, a sling assembly adapted to support a person, and means articulatingly connecting the sling assembly to the distal end of the arm of said derrick assembly; and pivot bearing means turnably supporting said derrick-sling construction on said base bracket means on a vertical pivot axis and permitting free turning movement of said derrick-sling construction in a horizontal arc.
 8. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said derrick assembly includes an elongate upright standard member, means pivotally supporting the proximal end of said arm on the upper extremity of said standard member and on a horizontal axis of movement, and wherein said jack means includes telescopically operative extendable means interposed between said standard member and said arm.
 9. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said jack means is hydraulically operative.
 10. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said pivot bearing means turnably supporting said derrick-sling construction includes means permitting detachment of said derrick-sling construction from said base bracket means.
 11. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein aid pivot bearing means includes at least two knuckle joint connections vertically spaced apart and operably interposed between said base bracket means standard portion and said derrick assembly standard member, each knuckle joint connection including means defining an upwardly opening joint socket fixed on said base bracket standard portion and a downwardly projecting joint pin fixed on said standard member of said derrick assembly, freely removably fitted in said socket structure; the knuckle joint connections being in coaxial arrangement and permitting upward displacement of said joint pins from said joint sockets and removal of said derrick-sling construction from said base bracket means.
 12. A lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means connecting the sling assembly on the arm of said derrick assembly includes separable hook and eye means permitting removal of said sling assembly from said derrick assembly. 